Business, international

Market recovery under way

Article Abstract:

The stock market of Japan seems to be recovering after a bad start in early 1997. The reversal is attributed to the currency markets' snub of a G-7 group of industrialized nations' tip that the dollar would depreciate a little. The Japanese currency's losing value to the dollar made Japanese exports, such as cars and steel, more competitive. Moreover, a rumor that the government is planning to buy four trillion yen of property from the country's defunct home-loan companies, has spurred investor interest.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange is slowly recovering from its downturn on Jul. 3, 1995, with the Nikkei Stock Average increasing by 14% to close at 16,517.70 points on Jul. 14, 1995. However, stock analysts warned investors against indiscriminately investing in the stock market since it may still experience a strong rebound effect. Moreover, they noted that stock market's turnaround may be adversely affected by the Japanese yen's strong performance against the US dollar.

Japan valuations go global

Article Abstract:

The Japanese stock market is heading towards globalization after its stock values became cheaper compared with US stocks, and Japanese corporate profits increased. Stocks were reported to be trading about 12 times the 1996's cash flow. Many investors have anticipated for Tokyo's shares because of their knowledge in handling businesses. Investors have also argued that Japanese shares should be valued equivalently with other stocks.